Population genetics and the subspecific taxonomy of the migratory locust
Author of the article:
Author's Workplace：
Key Words：Locusta migratoria, population genetics, subspecific taxonomy, mitochondrial genome
Abstract： The migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, is a notorious agricultural pest with a wide distribution in temperate and tropical areas of the Eastern Hemisphere. Due to the longdistance migration of the migratory locust, complex gene flow exists among geographic populations. Based on morphometrics, this species was previously divided into 13 subspecies. However, the validity of this classification is contentious and genetic relationships among different subspecies or geographic populations have not been fully resolved by traditional morphometricsbased studies. Recent progress in research on the molecular phylogeography of the migratory locust, especially that based on complete mitochondrial genomes, provides new insights for population genetic relationships. A study of mitochondrial genomes indicates that the migratory locust originated in Africa and dispersed worldwide via southern and northern routes. Evidence from mitochondrial genomes supports the view that there are only two valid subspecies; L. m. migratoria, distributed in the temperate regions of the Eurasian continent, and L. m. migratorioides, distributed in Africa, Oceania, and southern Eurasia. All other previously designated subspecies are geographic populations of these two subspecies. We review the history and recent progress in research on the population genetics and subspecific taxonomy of the migratory locust, and discuss phylogeographic relationships among locust populations.